Like many in Oklahoma City, you want to ensure your rental property is environmentally responsible. You can make an impact by establishing a pollinator-friendly garden. The best landscaping practices for rentals focus on making yards that are both attractive and low-maintenance. A yard that supports pollinators is both an environmental boon and a potential value booster for your property. Establishing a pollinator-friendly yard can appeal to environmentally aware tenants looking for such rentals.
Even without a deep interest in gardening, you can still contribute positively. Perhaps you’ve heard about the swift decline in populations of pollinators like butterflies and bees. Essential to our ecosystem, pollinators enable the production of many fruits, nuts, and seeds we consume. Yet, with some simple landscaping changes, you can support pollinator populations around your rental.
Plant With Variety
An initial step to invite pollinators is to use diverse plants in your landscaping. Aim to choose plants that flower at different times, from early spring through late fall. In many regions, native plants like lavender, coneflowers, and bee balm are available and appealing to pollinators.
Add a Feeder
Placing a nectar feeder in your rental’s yard is an easy way to bring in hummingbirds and butterflies. Watching these pollinators feed is enjoyable for many, and they also benefit your plants. A dish of ripe fruit or water mixed with sea salt can further attract pollinators to your yard. These items are especially attractive to butterflies.
Rethink the Lawn
Many rental homes feature a healthy, green lawn as a crucial part of their landscaping. With a few minor changes, your lawn can support pollinators. By letting the grass grow to about 3 inches and develop seed heads, you retain soil moisture and attract pollinators. You might also mix in low-growing plants like white clover or violets with your grass. These plants are non-invasive and can help local pollinators without damaging your lawn.
Use Alternatives to Pesticides
Using pesticides on the lawn or plants is a common practice, but it can harm helpful pollinators. Should you need to spray for harmful insects, consider eco-friendly options. Oils and soaps can be effective in repelling pests while sparing pollinators. Cornmeal is often effective against ant colonies, and garlic, pepper, and beer can repel biting insects.
If a tenant desires to incorporate pollinator-friendly elements in the yard, think about allowing it. Be sure to discuss and agree with your tenant on the changes, the work, and the financial responsibilities.
Should your tenant request financial assistance for plants or features, consider it if it enhances property value or attractiveness. Although there may be initial costs to create a pollinator-friendly yard, the long-term benefits can be greater.
Creating a pollinator-friendly yard can boost the value of your rental property. For advice, contact Real Property Management Elevate. We are glad to discuss how our property management services can benefit you and your investments in Oklahoma City and nearby regions. Contact us online or call 405-876-7611 today!
Originally Published on July 16, 2021
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